Abstract:

Educational strategies may enhance recognition of formal knowledge and the development of acquired skills in school. Nowadays, when scientifical knowledge is considered as an important tool to build up sustainable development, special attention should be considered relevant for the consolidation of concepts of chemistry. In the context of school space and facing up to the impossibility of access to laboratories, students involved in a program called Young Talents, from Rio de Janeiro research agency/FAPERJ, have tested protocols to carry on experiments which issues were related to the teaching of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry. Resources and household materials that have been used are quite simple. Thus, during the years of 2013 and 2014, themes such as pH, glycids analysis, natural pigments fluorescence, plant extracts enzymes activities and protein qualitative analysis were selected. The students characterized water and biomolecules present in biological samples, using household materials. Qualitative analysis of common materials were made, so that important issues were discussed as they have carefully looked at their routines and real world. Moreover, the students have been in contact with methods for data analysis and results processing. Tests with material to replace reactants used in experiments have been made. Previously, the authors have developed technology to build up simple protocols. Thus, different solutions were collected, such as apple vinegar, lemon juice, tap water and bleach, so that the pH was measured with pHmeter as well as it was done with natural indicators (anthocyanins). Other experiments were made, such as the evaluation of the use of baking soda for cooking and to maintain food properties; yogurt production; proteolytic enzymes activities in fruit extracts; pH scale using natural pigments and fluorescence. This work have resulted in a compilation of low-cost experiments, also, it has allowed the use of protocols in order to discuss some issues that students are supposed to have seen in High School. The approach was practical and the project participants have experienced a wide study of chemical concepts, as well as it was possible to manipulate environmental samples, instead of dealing with a mixture of substances they did not even know the name, or how dangerous it would be to replicate protocols.

Keywords:

Household material, environmental samples.